Thursday, September 26, 2013

Kamikaze Win Yet Again

ESPZEN Sunday League Season 20 Division 6

Kamikaze FC vs Keppel Bay FC

22/9/2013
1pm Kickoff
Bowen Secondary

Kamikaze came into this game suffering the usual pre-match jitters that is associated with the second game of the league. The team had done well in their opening encounter and were encouraged to do better in this game. They knew, however, that their opponents were formidable and that it was going to be a tough game.

Their worst fears came true, when just under 15 minutes, Keppel played a quick freekick and caught the Kamikaze defence napping, as a resulting scramble saw the Keppel striker react first as he unleashed an unstoppable effort.

If ever Kamikaze needed a response, it was today, and the team clad in their all-new blue strip was not about to back down without a fight. The fightback was led by Safar who  played a blinder of a game. When Mohaan weaved past the opponent's defence and took a shot that rebounded off the defender, it looked like yet another harmless attack. But Safar, had other ideas as he volleyed the rebound first-time, into the top left-hand corner to bring Kamikaze back into the game. And he repeated his effort 5 minutes later, as he took another first time shot following Barathi's cut-back that finally gave KKZ the lead they wanted, which was how it stayed at half-time.

The team was motivated to get a vital third goal after the break, and once again, Safar was the man who would get it. He played a brilliant one-two at the edge of the box with Mohaan, before rounding the keeper and rolling the ball into an empty net. When Hevy scored an outrageous goal 5 minutes later, in the most acute of angles, the game looked to be another comfortable victory for Kamikaze.

Yet, like always, the soccer gods had other ideas as Kamikaze's defence had probably one of their worst performances in recent memory. Shambolic defending, gave the keeper absolutely no protection, as they conceded 3 goals within the space of 15 minutes. Yet, as always, Safar had other ideas as he latched on to another through-ball from Mohaan before shooting convincgly past the keeper. The match ended at 5-4.

In reality, Kamikaze made a mess out of what should have been an easy game. Captain USPO did not mince his words, when he said in his post-match team talk,

"The defence led us down today. I can't remember when was the last time we conceded 4 goals, and this is not acceptable. But full credit to the way we attacked and scored each of the 5 goals. Moving forward, I have no doubt, that my defence will bounce back and show a much more improved performance. It was also good to have Anand (Spaceship) back. I believe he is trying to sort out his overseas obligations and come back for a prolonged stint with us. Having his experience is vital and I'm sure the added competition he provides will keep more of my defenders on their toes."

Kamikaze have gotten maximum points in their first two games, but what is really worrying for their opponents is the fact, that the team has not really gelled yet. It is a frightening thought to see how Kamikaze FC will be, when they are settled and primed up for a fight. But it is a mouth-watering dream for the KKZ faithful and one they hope to realise soon.

KAMIKAZE!!!

Squad: Pratip, Suresh USPO (c), Ashraf, Jayraj, Haravin, Doctor, Shivaanan, Mohaan, Safar, Pratheep, Victor, Prem, Kishen, Dinzo, Barathi, Manjan, Hevy, Anand Spaceship

Goals: Safar (4), Hevy
Assists: Mohaan (3), Barathi, Safar

Final Score: Kamikaze 5 - 4 Keppel Bay FC

Monday, September 16, 2013

Kamikaze Begin A New Chapter in the Right Note

ESPZEN Sunday League Season 20 Division 6

Paix FC vs Kamikaze FC

15/9/2013
1pm Kickoff
Meridian JC

It was a wait that took 9 years in coming. And for a long while, the weather looked like it was going to prolong the realisation of a dream. But on a day like this, with a squad pumped up to deliver and a manager waiting to stamp his class, even the weather was not going to be a dampener.

Kamikaze kicked off their first ESPZEN league match at 1pm at Meridian JC. The pitch was declared playable by the referee, however puddles of water meant that KKZ could not look to play their famed passing game. Nevertheless, the team adapted well to the situation and began with a confidence that befits a team looking to take the league by storm.

The Manager lined up his squad with a tactic to attack and put the opponents on the backfoot and for large periods of the first half, his team played the role to a tee, albeit with a lack of luck in their finishing. That was to be rectified, however, when Safar shimmied past 2 defenders to layoff for Youth Sensation Shivaanan, who showed the crowd exactly why his manager trusts him, by delivering an unstoppable first-time shot into the top right-hand corner.

That goal, seemed to have eased the pressure slightly for the team, with the opponents creating no notable chance in the first half. Things changed in the second-half though, as the hardworking PAIX players sniffed opportunities to level the game. It was thanks to the water-tight defence, and the hardworking midfield who worked brilliantly as an unit that the score stayed to the advantage of KKZ. The game was still too close to call, but a moment of brilliance from Hevy changed it all. A lobbed chip from Safar seemed too close to the keeper but Hevy kept pressing on and his pressure paid off as he managed to nick the ball past the keeper and roll it into an empty net. At that moment, the game was over.

True enough, the pitch started clearing up and Kamikaze were able to exert better control and passing all over the park. Their dominance paid off as two, absolutely delightful goals from their wing wizards Pratheep and Barathi capped off an emphatic 4-0 win.

"Winning the first game always gives a good buzz around the dressing room. But it's important to take one step at a time. I'm not a person who looks too far ahead, and neither do I stay contented with the past. I always stay rooted to the present and focus on the task at hand, and I believe my team does the same too. There were very good goals scored today and I believe we can build on this form for the next game," said Manager Jayaseelan in his post-match interview.

Achieving this dream was a result of the collective efforts of an entire clan of brothers. Kamikaze has only realised part of the dream as of yet. When the season ends, they will look forward to carrying the pride of a successful season in ESPZEN Division 6.

KAMIKAZE!!!

Squad: Pratip, Suresh USPO (c), Prem, Kishen, Haravin, Mohaan, Shivaanan, Gerard, Safar, Pratheep, Victor, Jayraj, Ashraf, Haresh, Barathi, Hevy

Goals: Shivaanan, Hevy, Barathi, Pratheep
Assists: Safar (2), Gerard

Final Score: PAIX FC 0 - 4 Kamikaze FC